The Downeast region of Maine has an incredible wealth of resources within its ecosystem. Its unimpaired waters, forestland, fisheries, and uniquely undeveloped landscapes support biodiversity and the economy. Despite its ecological wealth, Downeast Maine is the most impoverished region in the state, with the lowest levels of income and highest levels of unemployment. This report explores the drivers behind the current state of Downeast Maine, questioning how the region’s resources can be used for economic benefit while they are conserved for the future.